Losing a loved one is never easy, and beyond the emotional toll it creates, you may also find yourself dealing with legal and financial matters. A very exhausting process after a loved one passes away is the probate process. This process involves settling a deceased person’s estate. Many find this process very tedious and stressful, especially if their loved one didn’t leave behind a last will and testament. Call us today to schedule an appointment with our Mesa, AZ probate lawyer!
Mesa, AZ Probate Lawyer
When someone passes away with assets that aren’t jointly owned or in a trust, the probate process can kick in. This process involves settling the deceased person’s estate, including validating their will, paying off any outstanding debts, and distributing assets to heirs or beneficiaries. The court will often appoint a personal representative—called an executor—to handle the estate. This person is responsible for identifying assets, paying final expenses, and distributing the property and its assets according to the will or state law if a will doesn’t exist.
The total process can take months or even years, depending on the size of the estate and if there are any disputes. In Arizona, probate is generally required if the total value of the deceased person’s assets exceeds certain limits or real estate is involved. The entire process can be very stressful, even for a small estate or a limited number of heirs. If there isn’t a last will and testament, then this can also complicate the process.
Especially when tensions are high, it’s not uncommon for family members to argue about who should get what. Having no clear instructions from the deceased person only further adds to this confusion. Besides understanding the technical and legal side of the probate process, it’s recommended to work with our Mesa probate lawyer to avoid or resolve disputes.
Experience Makes A Difference For Probate
The probate process can be very stressful, especially if you’re dealing with a lot of assets, but our experienced team is here to ease that stress!
- Jake Carlson is dedicated to empowering Arizona families and small businesses through thoughtful legal planning designed to reduce future disputes and create lasting stability. His work reflects a deep commitment to helping thousands build stronger, more secure futures.
- Rebecca Easton is our family lawyer, and she is dedicated to helping businesses and families make the best legal and financial decisions. She’s dedicated to forging lifelong relationships with her clients, and when you work with her, you know that you can trust her experience.
- We’re proud to have several positive customer testimonials. Our clients appreciate that we take the time to answer all of their questions and concerns, and that we offer flexible meeting times.
The probate process can be stressful, and it can also take a long time, even without any disputes. Whether you’re in the middle of the probate process currently or you want to prepare for one in the future, our Mesa probate lawyer is happy to help. Call us today at LifePlan Legal AZ to schedule your consultation!
Types Of Probate Cases We Handle
When families come to us for guidance during the probate process, we focus on providing steady, practical support and clear solutions. At LifePlan Legal AZ, we handle a wide range of probate matters that call for careful documentation, organized administration, and a reliable legal team. Our goal is to make each step straightforward, so the personal representative and the heirs know exactly what to expect. Contact us today to see how our Mesa, AZ probate lawyer can help!
Formal Probate Cases
Some estates must pass through formal probate because the assets are structured in a way that requires oversight from the court. These cases may involve property held solely in the decedent’s name, financial accounts without beneficiary designations, or family disagreements that require the court’s direction. Our role is to prepare filings, meet deadlines, and keep the process moving. We know how important it is for families to feel confident that each detail is handled properly, which is why we review all asset information, creditor notices, and final reports with care. You can read our testimonials to see how we’ve helped individuals and families around the area!
Informal Probate Matters
When an estate qualifies for informal probate, the overall process is faster and requires fewer formal hearings. These cases usually involve a valid will and heirs who agree on how the estate should be finalized. Although the court’s involvement is lighter, the personal representative still must complete vital tasks such as inventorying assets, collecting financial records, notifying creditors, and distributing property. We support clients in preparing the correct documents and verifying that all required steps are completed in the right sequence. Our Mesa probate lawyer team is proud to have received several distinctions, including being recognized by Avvo.
Small Estate Proceedings
Arizona probate law allows certain estates to qualify for streamlined procedures if the asset values fall below specific thresholds. Small estate affidavits may be used to transfer personal property, and certain real estate ownership interests can also transfer through simplified filings. Families seek our help when they are unsure whether an estate qualifies or when they want assurance that the affidavit process is set up correctly.
Ancillary Probate For Out-of-State Property
When someone who lived outside Arizona owned real estate here, an ancillary probate case may be required so the property can be transferred or sold. We frequently assist families who live out of state and need a local team to handle the Arizona portion of the estate. These cases involve coordination with the home-state attorney, preparation of Arizona-specific filings, and clear communication with title companies or real estate agents. Our familiarity with these cross-state matters helps families avoid delays and move forward with their plans.
Every probate matter carries unique details, family considerations, and legal steps that must be addressed with accuracy and consistency. Whether the estate is large, modest, or involves property held outside Arizona, we handle each case with the same level of attention and professionalism. We’re available 24/7 to take your call, so contact us today at LifePlan Legal AZ to work with our Mesa probate lawyer!